Latest guidance is now available from the National Youth Agency (England) on activities involving young people and youth work under step 3 of the governments roadmap. This has been badged as ‘yellow’ for the next step on the road map.
As of May 17th, all young people will be able to attend indoor or outdoor activities. However, the law applies differently for provision for young people under and over 18yrs of age.
Youth provision for under 18’s (and those who have only turned 18 post 31st August 2020) may meet indoors or outdoors without limitations on group size. The regulations no longer require youth sector providers to limit their bubble sizes to a maximum number of attendees (per bubble).
However, the NYA recommends that providers review their Action Plans and Risk Assessments and take steps to reduce the risk of community transmission. For example, consider how to manage groups of young people to a manageable number to minimise the risk of transmission. All standard COVID Secure measures (social distancing, hygiene and face coverings etc) will continue to be required.
Youth provision for over 18’s may meet indoors or outdoors in ‘Support Groups’ for vulnerable young people in groups of up to 30 (plus staff, volunteers, and carers). Indoor provision when not part of a support group (detached or adhoc delivery) must comply with the rule of six (including workers/volunteers). Support groups must be by invitation only.
Online/digital, detached/outdoor and 1-2-1 youth sector provision will remain available to all young people.
Trips and visits are be permitted and should remain local and should be completed the same day. Travel by minibus, taxi, public transport, or private car (subject to safeguarding) are permitted. When traveling organisers risk assessments should include the use of face coverings (for over 11’s where appropriate), social distancing measures where practical and good hygiene measures. Consider if a trip is necessary or if the same outcome can be achieved without the trip taking place. The youth sector’s goal at all times should be to minimise the risk of COVID transmission.
NB. If visiting a third parties’ venue, your group will need to fully comply with their COVID measures as well as this youth sector guidance. Some providers may require the use of bubbles and/or smaller group sizes etc to operate safely.
Overnight and residential experiences are permitted following strict requirements. During Step 3 only groups of six are permitted. Each group of six includes all workers, leaders, or staff members (plus
carers or key workers). For more detail on leading residentials and overnight events please read version 6 of the Covid-19 Guidance Document below for further details.
Please visit the NYA guidance pages to download the full guidance document